BAFTA has officially revealed the 21 creative visionaries selected for its prestigious BAFTA Breakthrough UK 2026 cohort, supported by Netflix. Marking its 13th year, the flagship talent initiative shines a spotlight on rising stars across film, television, and video games at pivotal moments in their burgeoning careers.
The 2026 intake highlights an extraordinary mix of performers, directors, writers, producers, and craft specialists. Notable figures across the film sector include writer-director Louis Paxton (The Incomer), producer Hollie Bryan (The Ceremony), and co-writer-director Imran Perretta (Ish). The television and unscripted categories showcase compelling performers such as Ella Bruccoleri (The Other Bennet Sister), Izuka Hoyle (Prisoner), and Sophie Stone (Falling), alongside presenter and producer Chris Lynch (In the Driving Seat). Meanwhile, the video games sector celebrates creative visionaries including Kate Killick (Pieced Together) and game director Husban Siddiqi (Rogue Eclipse).
Designed to provide a springboard for long-term success, the year-long programme equips participants with one-to-one mentoring, tailored career guidance, global networking access, and full BAFTA membership. Globally, more than 330 practitioners have passed through the initiative, going on to earn over 200 BAFTA nominations and 80 wins. The programme boasts an illustrious alumni list featuring Florence Pugh, Tom Holland, Josh O’Connor, Jessie Buckley, Bella Ramsey, and Letitia Wright.
Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, commended the newly selected cohort, stating: "BAFTA Breakthrough is a hugely impactful programme. It champions talented creatives and practitioners from all three screen sectors, and it is designed to give them the support and connections to build lasting careers. This year's cohort comes from fantastically diverse backgrounds and skillsets which really enrich the stories they bring to our screens. Congratulations to our 'BAFTA Breakthroughs'."
Anne Mensah, Vice President of UK Content at Netflix, added: "We are so proud to back BAFTA Breakthrough for a seventh year... The group announced today is an incredibly exciting range of names, and it is an honour to help them flourish."
Full details regarding the 2026 UK Breakthrough cohort are available via BAFTA's official platforms, with BAFTA North America set to announce the US talent cohort later this month.
